November 17, 2009
OFFSIDE REMARKS
A ton of familiar faces in Seattle
L.A. Galaxy coach Bruce Arena is one of many MLS Cup participants who have New York/New Jersey roots.
Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images
By Michael Lewis
BigAppleSoccer.com Editor
Man, if I didn't know any better, I'd swear I would be attending a Red Bulls or MetroStars reunion party in Seattle this week, there are so many former players from the team on the rosters of the MLS Cup finalists.
Throw in a would-be Red Bull and a couple of native New Jerseyites and New Yorkers from the Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake you can you make an entire team.
Nick Rimando, RSL goalkeeper -- Nick Rimando -- OK, he never played in a regular-season game for the Red Bulls. Rimando was obtained in a trade with RSL prior to the 2007 season for future considerations. When Scott Garlick retired, the Red Bulls did RSL a favor and dealt him back to the team two weeks later for a fourth-round pick in the 2008 MLS draft and a fourth-round selection in the 2009 supplement draft.
Todd Dunivant, Galaxy defender -- Not the most physical player in the league, but he has been solid on the left side. Plus, Dunivant can handle the ball like few outside backs in the league.
Chris Wingert, RSL defender -- The former St. John's standout and Hermann Trophy winner has moved from midfield to the backline to become a reliable performer. Would have been a nice addition for the Red Bulls.
Gregg Berhalter, Galaxy defender -- He might never win a race, but its his experience, vision and smarts that has helped the the Tenafly, N.J. native a vital cog in the L.A. backline.
Tony Sanneh, Galaxy defender -- He never touched the ball officially for the Red Bulls, although former coach Bruce Arena brought him in, but could not sign the one-time U.S. international because the Chicago Fire traded his rights to the Colorado Rapids (see, the Red Bulls experienced problems with the Fire before former Chicago coach Juan Carlos Osorio took over the coaching reins).
Clint Mathis, RSL midfielder -- He might not be the same Cletus who made life miserable for MLS defenders with the MetroStars almost a decade ago, but my gut feeling is that Mathis has something left in the tank. Will he get an opportunity to show us on Sunday?
Andy Williams, RSL midfielder -- How can you not root for Williams who has gone through hell and back as his wife Marcia battles leukemia. He has become a key performer during RSL's amazing playoff run.
Dema Kovalenko, Galaxy midfielder -- A fan and media favorite (great quotes), Kovalenko never gave up, something several Red Bulls could have used a lesson or two in this year.
Stefani Miglioranzi, Galaxy midfielder -- The one-time St. John's star has played well in L.A., when he has been healthy.
Mike Magee, Galaxy midfielder-forward -- He might never turn into a dominant player as former MetroStars coach Bob Bradley and MetroStars/Red Bulls fans had hoped, but it seems he comes up with some important goals and performances every season.
Edson Buddle, Galaxy forward -- Last season might have been a career year for Buddle, who was slowed down by injuries in the early going this season. But with a feeder such as David Beckham on the team, he could be dangerous in the final. We'll see for the one-time Red Bull had a second-half hat-trick against RSL in a 6-0 drubbing in 2006.
Alecko Eskandarian, Galaxy forward -- The Montvale, N.J. native will forever be linked as the player who took a swig of Red Bull and spit it out at one of the soccer team's first home games in 2006. Let's not forget he was the MVP of MLS Cup 2004.
Bruce Arena, coach -- Mark De Grandpre's mistake has turned into the Galaxy's gain. Another Red Bull/Metro who got away. So, what else is new?
Michael Lewis would like to hear from you. If you have a comment, drop him a line at email.
